Enabling enhanced vmxnet adapters for Microsoft Windows Server 2003
search cancel

Enabling enhanced vmxnet adapters for Microsoft Windows Server 2003

book

Article ID: 315412

calendar_today

Updated On:

Products

VMware VMware vCenter Server VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Note: The information in this article supersedes the list of guest operating systems that are supported for enhanced vmxnet in the document, Details of What's New and Improved in VMware Infrastructure 3 version 3.5.
 
Users are not given the option to select enhanced vmxnet adapters when configuring virtual machines running Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition (64-bit), Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition (32-bit), Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Web Edition, and Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003. Follow the procedures provided in this article to access the enhanced vmxnet adapters option when configuring these guest operating systems.


Environment

VMware VirtualCenter 2.5.x
VMware GSX Server 3.x (Linux)
VMware ESX Server 3.5.x
VMware GSX Server 3.x (Windows)

Resolution

To enable the enhanced vmxnet option when configuring a new virtual machine:
  1. In the New Virtual Machine wizard, on the Choose Guest Operating System page, select the version Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (64-bit), even if you will install a different version of the operating system on the virtual machine.
  2. On the Choose Networks page of the wizard, select the adapter Enhanced vmxnet.
  3. Proceed through the wizard.
  4. Install the desired guest operating system on the virtual machine.
  5. Install VMware Tools on the virtual machine.
To enable the enhanced vmxnet option when configuring an existing virtual machine:
  1. Login to the virtual machine and make a note of the existing IP configuration.
  2. In the VI Client, shut down the virtual machine.
  3. Right-click the virtual machine and select Edit Settings.
  4. In the Virtual Machine Properties dialog, click the Options tab.
  5. Click General Options, and change the guest operating system to Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (64-bit).
  6. Click the Hardware tab, and then click the Network Adapter.
  7. Click Remove.
  8. Click Add. The Add Hardware wizard appears.
  9. Select the device type and click Next.
  10. Select Enhanced vmxnet as the adapter type, and click Next.
  11. Click Finish.
  12. Click OK to dismiss the Virtual Machine Properties dialog.
  13. Power on the virtual machine.
  14. Apply the IP configuration (noted in Step 1) manually.